Becoming a Nutritionist in Iowa

Iowa, nicknamed the Hawkeye state in honor of Chief Black Hawk, leader of the Sauk Indians, has a population of 3,090416 (2012), making it the fifteenth least populated state in the U.S. It was ranked second best in the “Quality of Life” survey reported annu8al by the Congressional Quarterly Press. The survey compares such things as education, environment, safety, health care and cost of living. Iowa just might be the ideal place for you to become a nutritionist.

Nutritionist Degree Certification and Licensing in Iowa

Like most states, dieticians in Iowa are licensed but nutritionists are not. However, it is possible in Iowa to be licensed as a certified clinical nutritionist. All of these careers require formal training in the science of food and nutrition but there are educational requirement difference. Also, dieticians emphasize specific foods and eating habits while nutritionists focus more on the nutritional value of foods.

Nutritionist Educational Requirements. You can become a nutritionist in Iowa with just an Associate’s degree; however, almost all good jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree in nutrition. Many nutritionists in Iowa begin working with a bachelor’s degree and later earn a master’s.

Courses you are likely to take to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in nutrition include:

Science courses like Chemistry, Biology, Anatomy and Biochemistry

The principles of Human Nutrition

Advanced Nutrition and Metabolism

Medical Nutrition and Disease

Food Laws and Regulations

Functional Food

Pediatric and Geriatric Nutrition

Obesity Across the Lifespan

Biopsychology

Nutritional Counseling

Nutritional Supplements

Medical Terminology

Certified Clinical Nutritionist Requirements. The first step toward becoming a certified clinical nutritionist is to satisfy the core educational requirement of at least a bachelor of science (most applicants have a master’s or doctoral degree) that includes three semester hours in each of these subjects:

Anatomy

Physiology

Chemistry

Human Biology

Microbiology

Biochemistry

Introduction to Nutrition

Advanced Nutrition

Nutrition and Disease

Nutritional Assessments

Nutrition Counseling Strategies

Nutrition and Aging

Nutritional Supplements

Herbology

Depending on your background, you are likely to be required to complete the 52-hour, online program, “Studies in Clinical Nutrition.” You will then have to submit your credentials for approval before being allowed to take a written test that demonstrates your competence in clinical nutrition. Once you pass and are certified you can submit your licensure application to the Iowa Board of Medicine.:

Nutrition Schools in Iowa- The following Iowa cities all have colleges or universities with bachelor’s and master’s programs in nutrition:

Ames

Ankeny

Davenport

Forest City

Iowa City

There are approximately 140 students graduating from Iowa schools each year with degrees in nutrition.

Nutritionist Salary and Job Growth

There are currently 780 actively employed nutritionists in Iowa earning an annual median salary of $50,300. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that number will increase by eight percent, or to 850 jobs, by 2018.

Nutrition Job Description and Job Opportunities in Iowa

You can either open a private practice as a nutritionist or work for an employer. .Depending on employer, you might have any of these duties as a nutritionist:

Educating the public about nutrition issues

Assessing a patient’s or client’s nutritional needs

Creating school lunch programs

Planning school breakfast programs for low-income children

Providing individual nutrition counseling

Calculating caloric needs

Planning meals for diabetics and heart patients

Doing nutritional research

Testing prepared foods to assure the veracity of food labels

Teaching nutrition classes

Design nutritional posters and brochures

You might work for a wide variety of employers as a nutritionist, including:

Iowa Department of Health

Iowa Department of Education Nutrition Program

Non-profit food service organizations

Hospitals, medical clinics, rehab facilities

Spas, hotels, resorts

Schools

Senior centers

Fitness clubs

Food manufacturers

Holistic health groups

It is noted that manufacturing is the biggest contributor to Iowa’s economy and food processing is the largest manufacturing sector. Iowa is home to food giants like Heinz, General Mills, Quaker Oats, Tyson and others.
Skills you need to be an effective nutritionist are:

Public speaking ability

Scientific curiosity

Critical thinking

Problem solving

Compassion/sensitivity

Reading comprehension

Ability to write clearly and succinctly

Flexibility

Good judgment

Open mindedness

Cultural awareness

Health Coach Careers in Iowa

Health coaching is an ideal career path for anyone who wants to educate others on health issues and risk prevention, regardless of your background. For example, Des Moines health coach Melanie Schmidt left her career as a project manager after 20 years to pursue a degree in health and wellness. She now runs her own health coaching business, Food4Thought. Her specialty, she says, is helping clients reboot their diet and nutrition goals through clean-eating programs.

Iowa has a high rate of excessive drinking among its population, with 22.3 percent of the state’s adult population reporting binge or heavy alcohol consumption (America’s Health Rankings report, 2015). Rural counties in Iowa, such as Kossuth County in the northern part of the state, tend to be home to more drinkers, with an average 3.12 gallons of liquor sold for every county resident over 21 in 2014, says the Centers for Disease Control. One third of Iowa’s alcohol users consume 90 percent of all alcohol in the state, with the top 10 percent drinking at least 10 alcoholic beverages per day.

Alcohol is not the only health problem that Iowans face, however; just one of its most serious health challenges. Another major challenge to residents is the limited availability of primary care health care providers, especially in rural areas. Health coaches in these areas often provide routine biometric screenings for clients who might not otherwise have access to these serves, while also helping in education and risk prevention. Health coaches can also help rural Iowans improve chronic care management for ongoing health concerns such as alcohol dependence, diabetes, and heart disease.

Becoming a Health Coach in Iowa: Earning a Relevant Degree and Professional Certification

While some health coaches are also registered nurses or registered dietitians, others start from scratch, with no health care background prior to beginning health and wellness studies. Possessing a keen interest in helping others is the first and most important step towards becoming a health coach in Iowa, the second is earning a relevant degree.

While you need not pursue licensure to become a health coach in Iowa, you should receive specialized education and training. This may result in an associate degree, undergraduate certificate, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or graduate certificate.

Degree Options

Undergraduate certificates and bachelor’s degrees you could consider if you wish to become a health coach include:

Health Coach Certificate

Bachelor of Science in Health Physiology

Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Studies

Bachelor of Science in Integrative Physiology

Bachelor of Science in Health Science

Master’s degrees or graduate certificates such as these are usually sought by candidates who are changing careers and already have a bachelor’s degree in another, non-health related field:

Graduate Certificate in Health Coaching

Master of Arts in Integrative Health and Wellbeing Coaching

Master of Science in Kinesiology

Master of Science in Health Education

Professional Certification and Registration
Some health coaching jobs require you to become professionally certified as a health coach, through a recognized organization. The two most popular credentialing organizations nationwide for health coaches are:

American Council on Exercise (ACE)- This organization provides the only health coach certification that is accredited by the NCAA. Standard and premium certification levels are available for those who pass certification examinations. Tests are offered in Des Moines, Ottumwa, Cedar Falls and Iowa City. Continuing education is required to maintain your certification.

International Coach Federation (ICF)- This organization offers qualified health coaches the credentials Associate Certified Coach (ACC), Professional Certified Coach (PCC) and Master Certified Coach (MCC). Each level has its own standards and expectations, which are outlined here. Certification is through examination and practice. Continuing education of 40 hours every three years must be completed to maintain your credentials.

Iowa Health Coach Career Paths and Job Opportunities

Health coaches in Iowa work for insurance companies, weight loss centers, and medical centers, among many other settings. With your degree in hand, you should be able to find a health coach positon like the ones listed below.

The following job vacancy announcements, sourced in August 2016, represent the types of employment opportunities available to properly credentialed health coaches in Iowa. These job vacancy announcements are shown for illustrative purposes only and are not meant to represent job offers or provide an assurance of employment.

Wellness Coach for Rolling Strong- Oxford, IA
You will provide one on one health and wellness coaching to clients, all of whom are professional drivers and employees of the transportation industry. You will conduct biometric screenings and health sessions as well as educate clients.
Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in health education, health promotion or a related field

Two years of work experience in the health and wellness field

Nutritional Health Coach at Natural Grocers – Cedar Falls, IA
You will educate clients and employees in nutrition education and serve as a professional resource. In addition to conducting one on one nutritional health coaching sessions with clients, you will be available to answer questions clients have about nutrition and store products.
Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in nutrition or a related field

Ability to obtain and maintain liability insurance

Wellness Coach at Scott County Family YMCA- Maquoketa, IA
You will educate YMCA members on nutrition and fitness, helping them to achieve their goals. You will give basic assessments, fitness orientations and setup basic workouts for members.
Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in health education, health promotion or a related field

Pass a background check

Biometric Health Screener for Check-Ups Program- Cedar Rapids, IA
You will coordinate and conduct biometric appointments and collect health history of clients. You will help to identify and promote weight loss, fitness and nutrition goals.
Requirements: